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Science News for June 15, 2003


Taste testing may help identify alcoholism risk

A study found that individuals with a positive paternal history of alcoholism prefer less salty and sour solutions, indicating unique taste characteristics that may contribute to protection against alcoholism. Researchers suggest that altered taste sensitivity may also play a role in the development of alcoholism risk.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003

At last: Just three cell types detect light in the eye

A team of international researchers led by Johns Hopkins scientists has discovered that the eye's ability to detect light is carried out by just three cell types: rods, cones, and melanopsin-producing cells. This finding resolves years of controversy and sheds new light on the eye's non-visual functions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2003

Genetic clue links selenium to breast cancer prevention

A study by University of Illinois Chicago nutrition scientists reveals a potential genetic link between selenium and breast cancer prevention. The research identifies specific versions of a gene that may require more selenium in the diet for cancer-preventive benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 2003

UCSD researchers identify gene involved in bipolar disorder

A mutation in the GRK3 gene, specifically in the promoter region, is linked to bipolar disorder in up to 10% of cases. The study suggests that this mutation causes individuals to become hypersensitive to dopamine, leading to mood extremes characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 2003
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Imaging lithium with an electron microscope

For the first time, researchers have used a transmission electron microscope to image lithium atoms, capturing an arrangement of lithium ions among cobalt and oxygen atoms in the compound lithium cobalt oxide. The One Angstrom Microscope achieved a resolution as high as 0.78 angstrom.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2003

Research breakthrough identifies 291 genes associated with asthma

Research breakthrough identifies 291 genes associated with asthma, opening up new avenues for treatment and diagnostic development. The study focused on the arginase pathway, which regulates critical processes involved in allergic reactions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2003

Nicotine-patch treatment works for smokers with long-term sobriety

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine replacement therapy works as well for smokers with long-term sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. In fact, most smokers with past alcoholism (85%) can quit smoking without difficulty and benefit from nicotine-patch treatment.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Enzyme may play unexpected role in asthma

Researchers identified nearly 300 asthma signature genes involved in pathogenesis, including arginase, which triggers asthmatic symptoms. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for individual patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2003

Alcohol facilitates aggression among those who express anger outwardly

Researchers found that alcohol increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in individuals who tend to express their anger outwardly, such as through verbal or physical aggression. This association is significant and highlights the importance of understanding emotions and regulation in relation to drinking and aggressive behavior.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003